Published by Communications and Public Affairs (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338
News Release
October 21, 2004
Renewable energy, smog, fuel costs focus of Energy Awareness Week
Renewable energy, smog and rising fuel costs are a few of the topics that will be discussed during the University of Guelph’s second annual Energy Awareness Week Nov. 1 to 6.
“Global warming, global instability, blackouts and the violation of human rights around the globe in the name of oil are all indicators of the impact our use of unsustainable forms of energy is having on the planet,” said Fraser Thomson, member of Guelph Students for Environmental Change (GSEC). “In light of this energy crisis, we’re hoping Energy Awareness Week will raise some awareness about how we can move towards a more sustainable energy system and society.”
GSEC will have a display table in the University Centre throughout the week and is hosting several events.
On Nov. 2, six representatives from the Durika Eco-Village in Costa Rica will discuss “Sustainable Living: Lessons from an Eco-Village” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 121 of the MacKinnon Building. The Durikans will share the story of their 14-year non-profit commitment to protecting and restoring the environment, detailing the conception of their community, their educational and restorative commitments and their vision for the future of the planet.
Sociology professor Terisa Turner will discuss “Oil, War and the Environment” Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 1307 of the Thornbrough Building. A video screening of The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream will follow Turner’s talk.
There will be a panel discussion on “Sun, Wind and Sky: Discussions on Renewable Energy” Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 200 of the Axelrod Building. Jack Gibbons, chair of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, will discuss the negative effects of coal and the role that conservation and efficiency can play in helping Ontario to shut down its coal plants. David Timm of the Windshare Co-operative will explain the benefits and possibilities of harnessing the wind to meet energy needs. The GSEC Renewable Energy Group will talk about bringing energy efficiency and renewable forms of power generation to campus.
On Nov. 6, GSEC is organizing a visit to a completely sustainable house in Hillsburgh, Ont. The house, called an Earthship, is totally self-sufficient, requiring no outside energy to operate year-round. To register or for more information, contact acorneil@uoguelph.ca.
All events are free, wheelchair-accessible and open to the public. There is a recommended donation of $10 to attend the talk on Nov. 2. For more information, contact Jme Allen, Central Students Association, (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56376, or send e-mail to guelphcleanenergy@yahoo.ca.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53338, or Rachelle Cooper, Ext. 56982.
